The Franklinton Board of Aldermen and Mayor Greg Route met on Tuesday, May 23. Following the invocation by Ms. Sylvia Burkhalter who attends Bethel Church of Christ Holiness and the pledge, the minutes from the May 9 meeting were approved.
The first item of business was a proclamation honoring the late Brad Orman. The civic-minded Mr. Orman passed away on Thursday, May 8. He was longtime resident of Franklinton and former businessman. Mr. Orman also served two terms on the Board of Aldermen. Joining his widow Kaye were his children Susie Orman Stinson and Blake Orman. Mayor Route described Mr. Orman as "a great man in Franklinton" and he was praised by Alderman T.J. Butler as a public official who looked at the entire town and not just "special areas." Alderman Heath Spears fondly remembered the time the two served on the Board together and proclaimed, "Mr. Orman will be missed."
The Board then moved on to approving the promotion of Franklinton Police Officer Justin DiCarlo to Sergeant and the promotion of Officer Larry Johnson to Sergeant. Next the Board approved the fulltime employment of Rachel Toomer, Tavion Briggs, and Bryan Thomas for the Public Works Department. Chad Manning was slated to be hired to a parttime position with the Public Works Department as well; however, Alderman Darwin Sharp questioned why Mr. Manning was parttime rather than fulltime. Mr. Sharp stated that he was given the impression by Mr. Manning that he would prefer a fulltime position while the Mayor and Alderwoman Patrice Crain explained that Mr. Manning, who is retired, is fine with a parttime position.
Ultimately, due to lack of a second to the motion to hire Mr. Manning to a parttime position, he was not hired pending further discussion by the Board and the Mayor.
The Board then approved the donation of office furniture from Shell Oil Company. The new furniture is already being utilized at the police department and the municipal building. Alderman Sharp noted thanks to Chief Justin Brown for coordinating this donation.
Bids were opened for equipment for the new playground being planned on Chess Jones Road under the blue water tower.
Prior to the bid opening by Town Clerk Ellen Waskom, Alderman Sharp questioned whether the Board had voted to advertise this portion of the project for bids.
The Mayor was unable to answer when exactly this had been approved by the board. Bids were then read. Pelican Playgrounds bid $487,700 and Planet Recess bid $702,027 with a discount offer of $7,027 bringing the total to $695,000. Neither bid was approved until all specifications for the playground design are met. The Mayor asked that Alderman Descant and Alderwoman Crain meet with him and look closely at each proposal. Subsequently, a special meeting was held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, for the Board to vote to authorize the Mayor to advertise to receive sealed bids for playground equipment for the park for the Town of Franklinton. This insured that all procedures are followed for advertising and receiving bids for the project.
Renewal of alcohol permits were approved by the Board for K & V Groceries, Inc., Valero, Stop 1 Inc., and Y & M II, Stop 2 Inc. A new alcohol permit was also approved for M & R, Greenlaw Store LLC.
During departmental reports Major Mike Tate represented the police department. From April 25 to May 22, 724 calls for service were responded to. During this period 21 individuals were arrested for a total of 48 offenses.
Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle reported that all equipment is currently in operation. He also informed the board that the Rayville, Louisiana, fire department is interested purchasing a fire truck that was advertised for bids for $35,000. Since no bids were received for the truck, Town Attorney James Knight informed the Mayor and Board that this purchase could take place with an intergovernmental agreement between Franklinton and Rayville. Chief LaSalle will keep the Board updated.
Alderman Descant questioned Chief LaSalle on the current state of volunteers and the amount of money it costs to outfit them appropriately. LaSalle responded that it is difficult to get volunteers. Many start out enthusiastically and then because of time constraints and effort expected, they lose interest. These situations cause a bigger problem as fire gear is custom to each individual and cannot be used by another person entering a burning structure. But on a positive note, the new engine the department is purchasing is projected to arrive by late July.
Following public participation, the meeting moved to council discussion. Alderman Sharp explained that he wants to look at ARPA money to see if construction can begin on the police training facility. The Mayor explained that there are several projects ongoing to which Mr. Sharp replied that public safety is important as well. Alderwoman Crain offered that there are several grant opportunities for funding buildings through Rural Development. There are some that FPD may be eligible for that involved in-kind activity. She feels positive about such grants as they are tailored for towns with a population less than 7500. Mr. Sharp responded that he would like to be involved with this process.
Moving on, Mr. Sharp asked about the airport and if there is a list of things needed to make sure the airport is up to standards. The mayor stated that someone had contacted the office about the list, and Mrs. Waskom had forwarded it. He added that his office is attempting to secure a grant for lights for the runway, a beacon light, hangers, restrooms, and anything else that will improve the airport.
Alderman Descant had a positive report on animal control. On May 17 a state inspection was conducted, and the Franklinton site did well. There are a few upgrades to the facility that are needed, and a plan is being formulated to get these taken care of. Also, the facility received a $1000 grant that will assist in the updates. He is hoping those looking for opportunities to volunteer will be interested in assisting as there is no paid employee.
In final remarks, the Mayor mentioned that in the near future the town's charter will need to be looked at and updated. The original charter was written in the 1800's and was last updated in the 1900's, so it is time. He reminded everyone that on June 1 John Herring's retirement lunch will be held at the Town's municipal building and he encouraged everyone to attend the Memorial Day Program at the Varnado Store Museum on Sunday May 28. There will not be a June 13 meeting of the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor as they will be attending a district meeting.
